Electric switch



July 15, 1941. APPLEGARTH, 5 2,249,645

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed June 14, 1940 (-765.12 fl o oleyarilglsr.

Patented July 15, 1941 ELECTRIC SWITCH John Applegarth, Sr., Martins Ferry, Ohio, assignor of one-third to H. K. Sterling and onethird to H. A. Sterling, Martins Ferry, Ohio Application June 14, 1940, Serial No. 340,593

1 Claim.

This invention relates to signals and alarms and more particularly an electric switch for bed alarms.

The primary object of this invention resides in the provision of an electric switch adapted to actuate an alarm when the occupant of a bed leaves the bed.

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of an electric switch adapted to be con nected to a bed spring so as to close an electric circuit to suitable signalling devices and gives an alarm when the occupant leaves the bed.

A further object of this invention resides in the provision of an electric switch adapted to be connected to beds in hospitals and other institutions so as to actuate a signal or signals when the patients leave their beds.

A still further object of this invention resides in the provision of an electric switch connected to a bed adapted to turn on a light in the room when the occupant of the bed arises and leaves the same.

With these and other objects in view, this invention resides in certain novel features of construction and arrangement of elements to be hereinafter more particularly set forth in the specification, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and pointed out in the appended claim and, while this disclosure depicts my present conception of the invention, the right is reserved to resort to such changes in construction and arrangement of elements as come within the scope of the claim.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of this invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view through a portion of a conventional bed spring showing the circuit controlling means connected thereto.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view thereof approximately ary or immovable base B yieldingly supporting a cover C by cross members D and coil springs E and, while this type of bed spring is herein shown in carrying out the functions of this invention, it is to be understood any type of yielding bed spring may be substituted therefor.

Secured to base B of the bed spring and electrically insulated therefrom are stationary contacts 5 and 6 adapted to be simultaneously engaged by an electric conductor 1 formed on a plunger 8 secured to a yielding cross member D of the bed spring when in normal or unoccupied position to close an electric circuit W connected to silent and audible signals indicated by the letters S, it being understood any number or type of signals may be included in the circuit and controlled by suitable switches herein indicated by the letter M.

With this invention fully set forth it is manifest means are provided whereby a signal or alarm will be actuated upon occupants of beds leaving the same and, through connection of the plunger to the yieldable and shiftable member of the bed spring, positive and smooth actuation of the same is permitted.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

In an electric switch for controlling a bed alarm circuit, a base member having an opening therein, an insulating block secured to the underside of the base member having a boss filling said opening and having an opening therein coaxial with the first mentioned opening, a pair of spaced contact members secured to the insulating block on opposite sides of said openings, a stem extending through said openings and guided by the opening in said block, a contact head on the lower end of said stem adapted to close a circuit between the pair of contacts, a plate spaced above the base member, a securing head on the upper end of said stem and fixed to the under side of said plate, and a pair of coiled compression springs extending between the base member and plate and spaced on opposite sides of and equidistant from said stem.

J OHN APPLEGARTH, SR. 

